Community invited to join UIS musical groups

January 10, 2006

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the community who are interested in sharing their
musical talents are invited to join one or more of the six campus ensembles
currently gearing up for the spring semester at University of Illinois at
Springfield. Except for the Jazz Combo, auditions are not required to join
any of the groups outlined below, and most can be taken for academic credit,
if desired.

The non-auditioned groups are the UIS Chorus, Band, World Percussion
Ensemble, Chamber Ensemble, and Native American Flute Circle. The Jazz Combo
requires a brief interview with an instructor. Rehearsals for all groups
except the UIS Band begin the week of January 16; band rehearsals will
begin Monday, January 23. All groups rehearse in UIS Music’s new
rehearsal space, located in room 33 of the Communication, Psychology, and
Visual Arts Building on the UIS campus. Rehearsals are open to the public
and all musicians are invited to attend.

Participants in ensembles will also have the opportunity to use the
campus’ new music technology lab, designed by local jazz musician Brian
Pryor. “The computer is a fantastic music learning tool that I wish I had
been able to use when I was in college,” said Pryor. “I encourage all UIS
musicians to take advantage of the technology we have put together for
them.”

UIS Music will present two concerts this semester -- a mid-semester open
house on March 3 celebrating the program’s move into the new rehearsal
space, and a finale concert near the end of the semester, on April 28.

Each ensemble works on a varied repertory that is tailored to the group
at hand.

The UIS Chorus performances range from 16th-century
madrigals to Broadway classics. The chorus rehearses on Tuesdays from 7 to
9:15 p.m. and/or on Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. UIS students who wish
to receive academic credit should enroll in MUS 301: Vocal Music Ensemble.

The UIS Band performs at campus activities such as
basketball games and pep rallies. Band rehearsals are scheduled for Mondays
from 4 to 6 p.m. beginning January 23. UIS students who wish to earn
academic credit should enroll in MUS 305A: Instrumental Music Ensemble.

The UIS World Percussion Ensemble is a performance group
for students interested in hand drumming using percussion instruments of
primarily African and Middle Eastern origin.. No experience is necessary to
join. The group will meet from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. To take this class
for academic credit, enroll in MUS 305B: Instrumental Music Ensemble.

UIS Native American Flute Circle is a joint effort of UIS
Music and the Central Illinois Flute Circle. The campus meeting is the
second Monday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. The flute circle is not
offered for academic credit.

The UIS Chamber Ensemble performs a variety of music, from
Renaissance to Modern, and is open to anyone who plays a string instrument.
This group meets on Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. To take this class for
academic credit, enroll in MUS 305C: Instrumental Music Ensemble.

The UIS Jazz Combo is a new ensemble that will focus on ear
training and improvisation through the performance of classic and
contemporary jazz compositions. Admission to the ensemble is by audition or
invitation, and musicians from all backgrounds -- traditional and
non-traditional -- are encouraged to try out. To take this class for
academic credit, enroll in MUS 305D: Instrumental Music Ensemble.

Academic credit for these programs is available to those who have been
admitted to study at UIS. Registration for the spring 2006 semester is
currently underway; classes begin Tuesday, January 17. For information on
enrolling in any of these ensembles for credit, go to
www.uis.edu or phone the
Registration Office at 206-6174.

The University of Illinois at Springfield,
one of three U of I campuses, is a small, public liberal arts university
that
offers
42 degree programs – 21
bachelor’s, 20 master’s, and the Doctorate of Public Administration.
UIS has a special mission in public affairs and service and is known for
extraordinary internships, a wireless campus, extensive online offerings,
and a commitment to teaching.